The Car Guide

While new vehicle sales throughout the year proved to stabilise following initial challenges, it is SA exports that should be the cause for some concern, after plummeting by more than 20% in output from 2023. Looking for your new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! South Africa is an importer and an exporter of new vehicles with locally manufactured vehicles sold both internally and in other parts of the world. The Automotive Business Council adds that 2024 was a year that like normal, is closely tied to broader economic conditions in the country. New vehicle sales locally started off with some challenges but finished with a strong final quarter which promises continued growth in 2025. However, naamsa has added that the new vehicle market still hasn’t been able to recover to the 2019 pre-pandemic level in four years and is likely to be delayed for another year. A look at the numbers according to naamsa: The new vehicle market registered its third consecutive month of yea...

GAC Motor South Africa has announced a significant price reduction for its Emzoom and Emkoo models, citing a favourable foreign exchange rate amidst reinforcing its commitment to the South African market. Here’s how much the models will now cost. Image: GAC Motor Looking for a new or used GAC? Find it here with CARmag! The move comes as good news for potential customers in the highly competitive SUV segment but could raise concerns for those who recently purchased these vehicles at previous retail prices. According to Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of GAC Motor South Africa, the decision reflects the company’s commitment to its customers and the local market. “We believe in the power of transparency and commitment to both our customers and investors,” he said. “This price drop for the Emzoom and Emkoo is a testament to our belief that consumers deserve to benefit directly from favourable forex movements. This is a win for everyone — from our valued customers to our part...

Honda’s  latest 0 Saloon and 0 SUV prototypes have been unveiled at CES 2025 and offer a glimpse at its upcoming wedge-shaped EV lineup.  Image: Honda Looking for a new or used Honda? Find it here with CARmag! Diving right in, the 0 SUV is the larger of the two and features a raked windshield and low roofline for a sleek silhouette. Its front fascia includes a black panel with pixelated headlights, an illuminated Honda badge, and a prominent bumper vent for battery cooling. A two-tone finish, with a black roof, enhances its visual appeal. The side windows rise dramatically at the rear, creating a thick D-pillar, while the rear U-shaped taillight wraps around a narrow windshield, emphasizing its unconventional design. Image: Honda Meanwhile, the 0 Saloon serves as the flagship of Honda’s 0 Series. Building on the design of its predecessor concept revealed at CES 2024, it remains true to the “thin, light, and wise” philosophy. Its sporty wedge-shaped styling and low sta...

December 2024 proved to be another tricky month for local manufacturers, continuing with contractions in exports. Despite this, there was still a total 0f 10 667 units exported – here are the top 5 for the month. Looking for your new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! For the first time since Covid-19 and its global influence in 2020, vehicle exports have been in a state of decline. The annual figure lies at 308 830 units, down by a substantial 22.8% compared to the record performance of 2023 when the industry exported 399 594 units. Naama adds that various factors impacted the plummeting in vehicle exports, including a slowdown in demand in the EU, the domestic automotive industry’s key export region, due to low economic growth, stricter emission rules, and competition from cheaper electric vehicle imports from China in the region, as well as the timing effect of new model introductions in the domestic market by a major exporting OEMs. Related:  Top 10 Best-Selling Pas...

BYD recently took to social media to unveil an impressive demonstration of its Yangwang U9 supercar, showcasing its self-driving leap capabilities courtesy of the innovative DiSus-X suspension system. Image: BYD Looking for a new or used BYD? Find it here with CARmag! In a great leap forward for the motoring world, the U9 autonomously overcame some gritty challenges. The vehicle successfully jumped over a large pothole filled with water before navigating a series of road spikes while maintaining a speed of up to 120 km/h. The magic behind this feat lies in the DiSus-X suspension system, which allows the car to dynamically adjust its ground clearance, making it capable of overcoming obstacles with agility. The suspension system combines Intelligent Damping Body Control with Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control, providing the U9 with exceptional handling and stability. This technology is a game-changer, offering enhanced performance and safety by enabling real-time adjustments to th...

Porsche has quietly introduced the updated 911 Carrera S, a model that sits comfortably between the entry-level Carrera and the more aggressive GTS. While the changes may seem subtle at first glance, a closer look reveals a significant performance bump and a refined driving experience. Image: Porsche Looking for a new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! Under the skin, the iconic 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine has received a thorough overhaul. New turbochargers and improved cooling systems have boosted power output to 353 kW, a 22 kW increase over the previous model. This translates to exhilarating performance, with the Carrera S capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 308 km/h. Power is channelled through Porsche’s slick eight-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. Porsche 911 Carrera S Pricing Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe – R3 037 000 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet – R3 304 000 Related:  Review: 992....